If you have listened to our last couple of reports, you will know that not a lot has changed. Buyer activity is still sitting a little slow, and while that is not the news any seller wants to hear, there is plenty of reason to stay positive as we head into the thick of winter.
Much of the country has now seen a good amount of rain, which is exactly what those out in the paddocks have been waiting for. The flip side is that it has softened inquiry, and with it, sales have eased back a touch as well.
Every lot on our platform tells you how the product has been stored, whether it is paddock stacked, shedded or tarped. With most of the country having copped some rain, paddock stacked lots are the ones to watch, because rain means moisture and moisture can mean damage.
If you are a buyer looking at one of these lots, get on the phone and ask the grower a few questions. Find out how much rain has fallen, how the product is stacked, and whether there has been any damage. Ask for recent photos and get them sent through so you can buy with confidence, knowing exactly what will come through the driveway on delivery day.
If your product has seen some weather, the best thing you can do is be upfront about it. Head out, grab a few recent photos and either send them through to the team or upload them straight to your lot. Giving buyers that information up front gives them the confidence to purchase, and it puts you in a stronger position.
So next time you are out in the paddock, driving past your stack or checking on things, take a couple of minutes to grab some photos and get them onto your lot. It is quick, it is easy, and it genuinely helps buyers find their way to your product.
Another one for the buyers. The wet weather has caused a few delivery delays, mainly around access, as some properties are proving tricky to get into.
If you think you will need something in three weeks, six weeks or a month’s time, start looking at your options now. Giving us a bit of lead time means we can schedule delivery before you actually need it, rather than you ringing at the last minute and finding we cannot get it there in the time frame you are after.
Some areas are still running a little warmer than usual, but that is about to change. We are heading into the heart of winter, a few regions are already cooling off, and we expect that to lift demand for winter feed as it sets in. That is good news for anyone still holding product in the shed, because the main stretch of winter is still ahead of us.
Worth keeping in mind too is the forecast for a drier spring, so factor that into your thinking over the coming weeks.
With things running a little slower, pricing matters more than ever. Make sure yours is competitive. It may be worth revising your prices and bringing them back a touch to put yourself in the market and capture buyer interest.
A quick reminder that you may have seen come through your inbox or by text. Our partners at Feed Central are running an end of financial year sale on the tools, including moisture meters and prepaid feed tests. Jump on, grab yourself an end of year special and get set for the season ahead.
Hope you all have a great end to the financial year, and we will catch up with you again soon.
Watch the full June market report here: